As I was going through the learning process of my new bluegrass instrument, I attended a local jam. Eric and Barbara West had hosted this weekly jam in their home for years to coach new bluegrass jammers. Eric gave me a bundle of music he didn’t want any longer, so I could learn the tunes being played at the jam. Eric and Barbara hosted a few more jams, then went to Russia as missionaries for their church. In their place hosting jams for the next ten years was John Hettinger and his wife Loretta.
John Hettinger just happens to be the Sacramento Area Vice President. John has been a member of the CBA for over twenty years. John has also been the Sacramento Area VP for almost fifteen years. During the same time, John has provided to us: The Sacramento Area Bluegrass Newsletter. If you have read one of John’s Newsletters, you can see that there aren’t many stones that haven’t been turned over. Concert and show performance schedules. Especially, those located outside the area. Oh sure he let’s everybody know where to find local shows too. Not to mention, (but I will) local jams from one end of the valley to the other end. It’s hard to imagine Bluegrass being so boring. There is a ton of this music being played. It’s all listed in the Newsletter.
John and his wife Loretta, have hosted close to thirty house concerts since 2003. John informed me that he already has bands for concerts, 31, 32 & 33, booked. During my interview with John, he stopped me abruptly and said, “Bruce, none of this could have been done without my wife Loretta.” I told John that I was well aware of this fact. You see, while John has made all of the contacts to make things happen. Once the door opens, nothing happens without the assistance of Loretta and her very strong ability to be the best Hostess around. I shared with John that I did know what Loretta was up to because for six years I worked as relief Bed & Breakfast Innkeeper. Planning meals, preparing meals, serving meals, cleaning up after meals. Making sure that everything is in its place and set properly for presentation. Greeting guests as they arrive. Answering random questions as to where something could be found. I’ve attended many a house party over at John’s with live music playing. Of course I donated a handsome fee to the band for their performance. But, between you & me and the gate at the end of my driveway, I’d pay a handsome fee anytime for any slice of Loretta’s pie’s. And since I am on the subject of pies. Add it up folks, thirty shows times about six to eight pies for each show. With three more shows on the books. That means that Loretta will have baked close to, two hundred fifty pies. GOD Bless you Loretta, you are the best! And so are the pies. And how does that old saying go? Behind every good man, is a better & much stronger woman.
Other than these magnificent concerts, each year John and Loretta host a huge BBQ/JAM/POT-LUCK every August. In one corner there is old time going on. In another corner there is some sweet bluegrass harmony. On the table there are dishes from out of this world. And I’m talking only about the pies here. There are hot dishes and salads too. Needless to say, John and Loretta sure seem to keep everybody happy. Their home is your home. They just make you feel welcome that way.
Oh, one other very important thing I would like to mention about John and Loretta, they have been given an Award. This award comes from the Folsom Arts & Cultural Commission. It is an award for Outstanding Arts Achievement. John and Loretta have been involved with their community for quite some time. And their community is also aware of the involvement that John and Loretta have contributed to the community. This information was shared at the local jam that is now being hosted by Ron Dale. When John didn’t show up I asked Ron if John was coming. Ron told me that John was going to be late. That seemed O.K. until John walked in about half way through. Ron stopped the jam and wanted everybody to take note. John was not in blue jeans and a T-shirt. Instead, nice shoes, slacks and a shirt with a collar. Then the announcement was made about the award. Each of us at the jam that night were very proud of John and Loretta. Hoots and whistles!
I let John know that, what he has been doing to help promote Bluegrass in the local area, has been invaluable to everybody that likes to play and listen to Bluegrass music. Thank You John. Thank You Loretta. Thank you for everything that you do.
Thanks for Listening
Bruce Long
